JP7295986B2 - Device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object, in particular a timepiece. The invention further relates to a timepiece as described above comprising such a control device.

Portable objects, such as timepieces, which comprise a device for controlling at least one electronic function implemented in the object have long been known.

Such control devices typically include a control stem that can be actuated to control a desired electronic function. In order to properly perform the desired electronic functions, it is necessary to be able to detect the actuation of the control stem of the control device. Among the known techniques that make it possible to detect the actuation of a control stem is the establishment of galvanic electrical contact by friction between contact areas of the control stem and corresponding electrical contact areas of the electrical circuit of this control device. It is widely known to detect the actuation of control stems via

This technique has been known for a long time. The implementation of this technique is simple and inexpensive. However, this approach has some drawbacks. For example, they are less robust and less reliable, which significantly shortens their service life. In fact, repeated actuation of the control stem creates friction between the contact area of this control stem and the corresponding electrical circuit contact area. Over time, this repeated friction will cause wear to the control stem and/or electrical circuitry, necessarily altering the quality of the DC electrical contact between these two elements. put away. Introducing a control signal via the control stem after a certain amount of time has become increasingly frustrating, even impossible, and in many cases, the only option is to let go of the portable object that has gone awry.

To solve this problem, in the prior art, the contact area of the control stem and the contact area of the electrical circuit, which rub against each other, are coated with a layer of wear-resistant material, for example, a metallic material such as cadmium. Are known.

However, coating the corresponding contact areas of the control stem and the electrical circuit with a layer of wear-resistant material requires a long and complicated operation, which increases the manufacturing costs of such control devices, and As a result, manufacturing costs of portable devices such as timepieces in which such portable devices are mounted are increased. This means that portable objects with such control devices are often inexpensive portable objects, and in the case of such portable objects the cost of manufacturing the various components is a significant factor. Given that it is unacceptable from an economic point of view.

Also, it is often the case that materials with good wear resistance are substances that are not safe for humans, so small portable objects that are intended to be worn in contact with the user's skin and which the user may open. It is often not possible to use such unsafe substances in

The present invention is a robust and reliable control device comprising an actuation element carried by a control stem of the device and in frictional communication with an electrically conductive switching element. The above and other problems are solved by providing a control device which can establish a direct current electrical contact with the contact pads of an electrical circuit to the switching element thereby positively closing the electrical circuit. intended to

To this end, the subject of the invention is a control device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object, in particular a timepiece, provided with a control stem. The control stem is axially movable between at least a first stable position and a second stable position or between at least a first stable position and a second unstable position, the control device further comprises an actuation element rigidly connected to said control stem; and at least one flexible electrical switching element mechanically actuated by said actuation element when said control stem moves axially. Prepare. The at least one flexible electrical switching element has a closed position in which the at least one flexible electrical switching element closes an electrical circuit of the control device and an open position in which the at least one flexible electrical switching element opens the electrical circuit. can be switched between

Other embodiments have the following features.
- said actuation element has a position indexing area with a cam contour provided to contribute to the indexing of stable and unstable positions in which said control stem is moved axially;
- the control device comprises a positioning spring configured to define respectively a stable and an unstable position of the control stem in conjunction with the cam profile defined in the position indexing area of the actuation element; .
- the control device is provided with at least one electrical contact stud which cooperates with said at least one flexible electrical switching element when said at least one flexible electrical switching element is in the closed position;
- said at least one electrical contact stud has an end connected to a contact pad of said electrical circuit of said control device;
- the control device comprises a mechanical fixing stud connecting the at least one flexible electrical switching element in a fixed manner to the electrical circuit of the control device;
- said cam profile includes at least one recess provided to cooperate with said positioning spring of said control device to define a stable position of said control stem and/or an unstable position of said control stem; There is a ramp provided to cooperate with the positioning spring to define.
- said at least one flexible electrical switching element is integral and V-shaped with two branches, each branch of which has an electrical contact area of said flexible electrical switching element;
- The control device comprises two separate flexible electrical switching elements, each of which has an electrical contact area.
- each flexible electrical switching element is associated with a mechanical contact area of said actuation element to provide a corresponding electrical contact area to a corresponding electrical contact stud when said flexible electrical switching element is in the closed position; can be contacted.

The invention further relates to portable objects, in particular timepieces, comprising at least one such control device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of several embodiments described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are given purely for illustration and not limitation.

1 is a perspective view of a control device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object according to a first embodiment; FIG. Fig. 4 is a partially transparent top view of a second embodiment of a control device for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object; Figure 3 is a partially transparent perspective view of the control device shown in Figure 2; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a positioning spring of the control device according to the first and second embodiments; 1 is a schematic illustration of a portable object, here a timer, comprising a control device according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment; FIG.

The invention is generally portable of small dimensions such that the area in which the electrical switching element mechanically actuates is different from the area in which the electrical switching element makes electrical contact for activation of the electronic function. It is based on a creative concept that involves providing a device that controls at least one electronic function of an object, such as a watch. As a result of such features, such electrical contact areas are protected from any risk of wear associated with friction occurring in mechanical contact areas.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a control device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1a. This control device 1a is arranged to control at least one electronic function of a portable object 54, such as but not limited to a timepiece, and a lower frame serving as a cradle for the control stem 4. 2. This control stem 4 is capable of axial movement from rear to front and from front to rear, thereby providing at least one of the portable objects 54 in a robust and reliable manner. controls two electronic functions.

In the following description, the "rear to front direction" refers to movement from the actuation crown 50 located outside the portable object 54 to the inside of the portable object 54 where the control devices 1a, 1b are housed. A straight line extending in the direction of This direction extends horizontally along the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control stem 4, perpendicular to the middle portion 56 of the portable object 54. FIG. Therefore, the control stem 4 is pulled from the leading side to the rear side or pushed from the rear side to the leading side. Also, the vertical direction z is the direction running perpendicular to the bottom 58 of the portable object 54 .

In order to enable control of at least one electronic function of the portable object 54, the control device 1a firstly comprises an actuation element 6a, which is integrated with the control stem 4 or It can be selected to be fixed to the control stem 4 or the like. This actuation element 6a has at least one mechanical contact area 12a, 12b, by means of which this actuation element 6a is in contact with the conductive electrical switching element 8a. This actuation element 6a actuates an electrical switching element 8a which establishes a direct current electrical contact between the electrical contact areas of this electrical switching element 8a and the contact studs of the electrical circuit. , thereby ensuring that this electrical circuit is closed. Thus, in the control device 1a according to the invention, the mechanical contact areas 12a, 12b between the actuation element 6a and the electrical switching element 8a and the galvanic contact areas 12a, 12b between the electrical switching element 8a and the contact studs of the electrical circuit. The contact area is two different areas whereby even with repeated friction between the actuation element 6a and the electrical switching element 8a, the electrical contact between the electrical contact area and the contact stud of the electrical circuit is maintained. Do not affect the quality of contact in any way.

As mentioned above, the control device 1a shown in FIG. 1 allows control of at least one electronic function of a portable object 54 of small dimensions, such as a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch. is intended to The lower frame 2 of this control device 1a is made of an electrically insulating material, for example injection molded plastic, and serves as a cradle for a control stem 4, which is preferably elongated and substantially is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis of symmetry XX. In addition, it is not limited to this. This control stem 4 can slide back and forth along the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX and/or rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about this same longitudinal symmetry axis XX. is configured to perform

Specifically, the control stem 4 has a rear end 46 which is located outside the portable object 54 after the control device 1a is attached to the portable object 54. and receive the actuation crown 50. The control stem 4 also has a leading end 48 which is located inside the portable object 54 after the control device 1a is housed in the portable object 54. . The control stem 4 is also provided with smooth bearings 40 which cooperate with corresponding bearing surfaces of the lower frame 2 to ensure support and axial guidance of this control stem 4 . It should be noted that a hole 52 is formed in the middle part of the portable object 54 to allow the installation of the control device 1a through the control stem 4 in the portable object 54 .

In this control device 1a the lower frame 2 forms a cradle which is arranged to receive the control stem 4 of the control device 1a. In the control device 1a, the control stem 4 is preferably elongated and substantially cylindrical, extending along its longitudinal axis of symmetry XX. A leading end 48 of the control stem 4 has, for example, a square cross-section 12 that can receive a smooth bearing 40 .

An actuation element 6a, which may be integral with the control stem 4 or may be rigidly attached to the control stem 4, provides for axial movement or rotation of the control stem 4 with respect to the lower frame 2. It can sometimes move in a translational or rotational motion with respect to the lower frame 2 . If the actuation element 6a is an additional part on the control stem 4, it is made of an electrically insulating material, i.e. the actuation element 6a is made of a It is preferably made of a material that makes it possible to prevent current from flowing into the control stem 4 to which it is attached. For example, this actuation element 6a can be made of plastic.

The actuation element 6a is located inside the lower frame 2 in the control device 1a and in the preferred non-limiting example is in the form of a ring of circular transverse cross-section. This actuation element 6a has a peripheral wall, a front surface and a rear surface. The peripheral wall has a position-indexing area 10a with a cam contour, which has two recesses 20a and 20b separated from each other, for example by a protruding crest 38a, which recesses The portion 20a is followed by an angled profile 22 which is, for example, a truncated cone widening towards the rear end 46 of the control stem 4 . The two recesses 20a and 20b are, for example, annular grooves about the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control stem 4. FIG. It should be noted that there are as many recesses in this cam profile as there are stable positions in which the control stem 4 can be indexed in the control device 1a. Similarly, the cam profile has as many slopes as there are unstable positions to which the control stem 4 can be moved.

By means of a cam profile formed by one or more recesses 20a, 20b and/or ramps 22 of the position indexing region 10a of the actuation element 6a, through the communication with the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14. , to define stable and/or unstable positions in which the control stem 4 can move when the user moves the control stem 4 axially from rear to front and from front to rear. become.

Specifically, the positioning spring 14 is generally U-shaped with two arms 30 extending in a horizontal plane, the two arms 30 being connected together by a base 32 . Two substantially straight upstanding rods 28 follow from the free end sides of the two arms 30 . The positioning spring 14 is intended to be attached to the control device 1a via the bottom of the lower frame 2 so that the end 34 of the rod 28 follows the cam profile of the position indexing area 10a of the actuation element 6a. sticks out in

The front and/or rear face of the actuation element 6a defines mechanical contact areas 12a and 12b with which the actuation element 6a cooperates with the electrical switching element 8a of the control device 1a. be able to. Specifically, this electrical switching element 8a is a switch-type component of the electrical circuit of the control device 1a. This electrical switching element 8a is in effect activated by the actuation element 6a when moving the control stem 4 axially from rear to front or from front to rear to bring it into its stable or unstable position. can be mechanically controlled. This electrical switching element 8a, when mechanically controlled by the actuation element 6a, elastically deforms and alternates from an open position to a closed position in the electrical circuit of the control device 1a. To this end, this electrical switching element 8a has the following coupling 36a, electrical contact areas 24a, 24b and mechanical contact areas 26a, 26b.
- The coupling 36a connects, preferably fixedly and/or rigidly, the electrical switching element 8a to the electrical circuit via the fixing stud 18a of the control device 1a.
- the electrical contact areas 24a, 24b, which are at least one, two in the example shown, are formed on the outer surface of the electrical switching element 8a, which is moved into a position to close the electrical circuit; are provided to contact the first and second contact studs 16a, 16b of the electrical circuit when closed.
- the mechanical contact areas 26a, 26b, at least one, two in the example shown, formed on the inner surface of the electrical switching element 8a and formed by the front and/or rear surfaces of the actuation elements 6a, 6b; provided to cooperate with the mechanical contact areas 12a, 12b to be connected.

The electrical switching element 8a is, for example, a V-shaped metal spring strip as shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the fixing stud 18a and the three first and second contact studs 16a, 16b, all of which are electrically conductive, are arranged inside the lower frame 2 of the control device 1a, respectively, on the control device 1a. It can be seen that there are ends connected to contact pads provided on the surface of a printed circuit on which is placed, for example a sheet of flexible printed circuit (not shown). Preferably, an electrical circuit is constructed on the sheet of flexible printed circuit that allows the fixing stud 18a and the two contact studs 16a, 16b to be connected together. Also, the locking stud 18a and the contact studs 16a, 16b can be spiral contact springs, spring strips, or the like. This electrical circuit also comprises all necessary electronic components, such as a microcontroller 64 and electrical connectors 66, to perform the desired electronic functions, which may be, for example, of the ZEBRA® type belongs to.

The control device 1 a comprises an upper frame 60 arranged to cover the lower frame 2 . These two lower frames 2 and upper frames 60 are each, for example, generally parallelepiped-shaped and together define the outer shape of the control device 1a. These two frames 2, 60 have housings and surfaces adapted to receive the components of the present control device 1a.

In the first embodiment described above and shown in FIG. 1, the control device 1a is provided with a single electrical switching element 8a. The electrical switching element 8a is integral and substantially V-shaped with a first arm 44a and a second arm 44b connected to each other by a coupling 36a. This electrical switching element 8a has a connection 36a at which the arms 44a, 44b are connected to each other and which is attached to the electrical switching element 8a by gluing, welding or interlocking or the like. to the fixing stud 18a. The outer surfaces 42a of the V-arms 44a, 44b form the first and second electrical contact areas 24a, 24b of the electrical switching element 8a, and the inner surfaces 42b of the free ends of the V-arms 44a, 44b are: It forms mechanical contact areas 26a, 26b provided to cooperate with the mechanical contact areas 12a, 12b of the actuation element 6a. The V-arms 44a, 44b of the electrical switching element 8a can be kept apart from each other by the actuation element 6a to oppose the elastic return force of the spring material from which the electrical switching element 8a is made. Recognize. As a result, when the control stem 4 is pulled, for example, from the leading side to the trailing side, the electrical contact between the first electrical contact area 24a and the first contact stud 16a is lost and the second electrical contact area 24a is lost. Electrical contact is established between contact region 24b and second contact stud 16b. Thus, a first electrical circuit between the first contact stud 16a and the locking stud 18a is opened and a second electrical circuit between the locking stud 18a and the second contact stud 16b is closed. The reverse is true when the control stem 4 is pushed forward from the rear.

On reading this, the linkage between the position indexing region 10a of the actuation element 6a and the stem 28 of the positioning spring 14 allows indexing the position of the control stem 4 in the first stable position T1 and this second From the first stable position T1, the control stem 4 can be pushed forward to the unstable position T0, or pulled backward to the second stable position T2. and T2 each correspond to the introduction of a separate electrical control signal.

Specifically, in FIG. 1, the control stem 4 is at the stable position T1, and from this stable position T1, the control stem 4 is pushed forward to the unstable position T0, or pulled backward to the stable position T2. It can be seen that Therefore, the first stable position T1 of the control stem 4 is the position where the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 penetrates into the first recess 20a of the position indexing area 10a formed in the actuation element 6a. corresponds to In this first stable position T1, the electrical switching element 8a is in its resting position, in which its mechanical contact areas 26a, 26b are both kept in contact with the actuation element 6a and apart from each other. , the first and second electrical contact areas 24a and 24b are not in contact with the first and second contact studs 16a and 16b.

From this first stable position T1, the control stem 4 can be pushed forward to reach the unstable position T0. During this movement, the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 follows the inclined profile 22 out of the first recess 20a. This profile 22 then gradually moves away from the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control stem 4 . The user overcomes a significant resistive stress to force the ends 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 out of the first recess 20a to move the ends 34 away from each other over the slanted profile 22. Must. This resisting stress follows the slanted profile 22 so that the rods 28 of the positioning springs 14 move away from each other from their rest position, creating an elastic return force that opposes the pushing force exerted on the control stem 4 by the user. This is due to their tendency to desire to re-approach each other under their influence. When the user moves the control stem 4 from the stable position T1 towards the unstable position T0, the user must overcome the resistive stress opposed by the electrical switching element 8a and the first mechanical stress of the actuation element 6a. The free end of the first arm 44a of the electrical switching element 8a resting on the contact area 12a moves slightly away from its rest position when the user presses the control stem 4 and under the influence of the elastic return force There is a tendency to reoccupy this resting position. In this unstable position T0 of the control stem 4, the first electrical contact area 24a of the electrical switching element 8a is in contact with the first contact stud 16a and is therefore fixed with this first contact stud 16a. closes the electrical circuit between the studs 18a. A current therefore flows through the electrical switching element 8a from the first contact stud 16a to the fixing stud 18a, whereby the position of closing the corresponding electrical circuit can be detected.

As soon as the user releases the pressure on the control stem 4, the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 spontaneously returns along the inclined contour 22 and the end 34 of the rod 28 again reaches the position indexing area of the actuation element 6a. It is housed in the first recess 20a of 10a and causes the control stem 4 to return to its stable position T1. Also, the first arm 44a of the electrical switching element 8a returns to its rest position, thus contributing to the movement of the control stem 4 back to its stable position T1. Thus, the control stem 4 automatically returns from its unstable position T0 to its first stable position T1.

The control stem 4 can be pulled rearward from the stable position T1 to a second stable position T2. During this movement, the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 elastically deforms from the first recess 20a to the second recess 20b by passing over the crest 38a separating them. while moving. At the same time, the electrical switching element 8a, the free end of the second arm 44b of which is supported on the second mechanical contact area 12b of the actuation element 6a, moves out of its rest position when the control stem 4 is pulled by the user. It tends to move away slightly and try to return to this resting position again under the influence of its elastic return force. In this stable position T2 of the control stem 4, the second electrical contact area 24b of the electrical switching element 8a is in contact with the second contact stud 16b and thus the fixing stud 18a and this second contact. Closes the electrical circuit between studs 16b. A current therefore flows through the electrical switching element 8a from the fixing stud 18a to the second contact stud 16b, whereby the position of closing the corresponding electrical circuit can be detected.

Figures 2 and 3 show a second embodiment of a control device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1b. This control device 1b comprises separate first and second electrical switching elements 8b and 8c. At a first end of each of these first and second electrical switching elements 8b and 8c, on its outer surface 42a, there is a first connection 36b and a second connection 36c, whereby in particular It is possible to ensure the fixing of these two electrical switching elements 8b, 8c to corresponding first and second fixing studs 18b, 18c of the control device 1b by gluing, welding or interlocking. At the second ends of the electrical switching elements 8b, 8c are first and second electrical contact areas 24c, 24d located within the outer surface 42a of the electrical switching elements 8b, 8c.

These first and second electrical switching elements 8b, 8c also have first and second mechanical contact areas 26c within the inner surface 42b between the first and second ends. , 26d, respectively, there is a deformed portion, for example a V-shaped fold. Thus, in the control device 1b according to the invention, the mechanical contact areas 26c, 26d between the actuation element 6b and the electrical switching elements 8b and 8c and the contact studs 16c and 16d between the electrical switching elements 8c and 8d and the contact studs 16c and 16d. The electrical contact areas 24c, 24d between are areas that are distinct from each other, whereby even if repeated friction between the actuation element 6b and the electrical switching elements 8b and 8c, the electrical switching elements The quality of the galvanic electrical contact between 8b, 8c and contact studs 16c, 16d should not be affected. Also, the mechanical contact areas 26c and 26d of the first and second electrical switching elements 8b and 8c are not opposed to each other so that the actuation element 6b is in contact with these electrical switching elements 8b, 8c. It is observed that when activating one of them, this does not necessarily result in activation of the other electrical switching element.

In the control device 1b, the position indexing area 10b of the actuation element 6b has first and second recesses 20c and 20d separated by a crest 38b. The recess 20c continues in a slanted profile 62 that widens towards the rear end of the control stem 4. As shown in FIG.

Also in this control device 1b an actuation element which must cooperate with the mechanical contact areas 26c, 26d of the first and second flexible electrical switching elements 8b, 8c during axial movement of the control stem 4. The mechanical contact areas 12c of 6b are arranged on the front and rear faces as well as part of the peripheral wall of the actuation element 6b. It should be noted that the linkage between the mechanical contact area 12c of the actuation element 6b and the mechanical contact areas 26c, 26b consists of first and second flexible electrical contacts about the fixation points formed by the fixation studs 18b, 18c. A substantially rotational movement of the switching elements 8b, 8c, in particular a displacement of the electrical contact areas 24c, 24d formed on these flexible electrical switching elements 8b, 8c is generated.

The control device 1b has two electrical circuits. A first of these circuits is constituted in particular by the contact stud 16c, the fixing stud 18b and the first electrical switching element 8b. A second electrical circuit is formed in particular by the contact stud 16d, the fixing stud 18c and the electrical switching element 8c.

Below it is shown that the linkage between the position indexing regions 10b of the actuation element 6b and the positioning springs 14 allows the position of the control stem 4 to be indexed between the stable positions T1 and T2 and the unstable position T0. ing.

In a second embodiment of the control device 1b shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control stem 4 is pulled rearward from the first stable position T1 to the second stable position T2 and pushed forward to the second stable position T2. 3, or the unstable position T0. These three positions T 0 , T 1 and T 2 of control stem 4 are indexed by the linkage between position indexing area 10 b and positioning spring 14 . Specifically, the stable position T1 corresponds to the position at which the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 penetrates into the first recess 20c of the position indexing region 10b formed by the actuation element 6b. . In this position, the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 and the first flexible electrical switching element 8b are in their rest position, i.e. the position in which they are unrestrained. In this stable position T1, the first flexible electrical switching element 8b of the control device 1b occupies a position in which the first electrical circuit is open. In this position, with the first electrical circuit open, the electrical contact area 24c formed on the outer surface 42a of the free end of this first flexible electrical switching element 8b is connected to the corresponding first electrical contact of the control device 1b. 3 contact stud 16c. However, when the control stem 4 is in the stable position T1, the second flexible electrical switching element 8c of the control device 1b occupies a position in which the second electrical circuit is closed. In this position, in which the second electrical circuit is closed, the electrical contact area 24d formed on the outer surface 42a of the free end of this second flexible electrical switching element 8c is connected to the corresponding fourth contact of the control device 1b. It is in contact with stud 16d. A current therefore flows through the second flexible electrical switching element 8c, thereby detecting the closed position of the electrical contact between this second flexible electrical switching element 8c and the second contact stud 16d. can be done.

The control stem 4 can be pulled rearward from the first stable position T1 to the second stable position T2. During this movement, the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 elastically deforms from the first recess 20c to the second recess 20d past the crest 38b separating them. while moving. Likewise, during this movement, the mechanical contact area 12c of the actuation element 6b carried on the second flexible electrical switching element 8c is such that the second flexible electrical switching element 8c contacts the actuation element 6b. It scrapes this flexible electrical switching element 8c until it stops moving and returns to its rest position under the influence of an elastic return force. In this stable position T2 of the control stem 4, the second flexible electrical switching element 8c of the control device 1b occupies a position in which the second electrical circuit is open. In the open position of this second electrical circuit, the electrical contact area 24d formed on the outer surface 42a of the free end of this second flexible electrical switching element 8c is connected to the corresponding fourth contact of the control device 1b. It is not in contact with stud 16d. Also, when the control stem 4 is in the second stable position T2, the position of the first flexible electrical switching element 8b remains unchanged. In this second stable position T2, the first flexible electrical switching element 8b of the control device 1b has the first electrical circuit open and the outer surface 42a of the free end of this first flexible electrical switching element 8b. The electrical contact areas 24c to be formed still occupy positions not in contact with the corresponding third contact studs 16c of the control device 1b.

The control stem 4 can be pushed forward from the first stable position T1 to the third position, the unstable position T0. During this movement, the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 emerges from the first recess 20c and gradually moves away from the longitudinal axis of symmetry XX of the control stem 4, such as of the frusto-conical type. follows the slanted contour 62 of the . In order to move the ends 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 out of the first recess 20c and away from each other onto this slanted profile 62, the user must overcome a significant resistive stress. must. This resistive stress causes the rods 28 of the positioning springs 14 to move away from their rest position by following the slanted contour 62 and the effect of the elastic return force opposing the pushing force exerted on the control stem 4 by the user. This is due to the fact that they tend to re-approach each other below. As soon as the user releases the pressure on the control stem 4, the rods 28 of the positioning springs 14 spontaneously move back along the slanted profile 62 and their ends 34 positionally index the actuation element 6b. It is housed again in the first recess 20c of the region 10b, causing the control stem 4 to return to its stable position T1. Thus, the control stem 4 automatically returns from its unstable position T0 to its first stable position T1.

Similarly, during this movement, the mechanical contact area 12c of the actuation element 6b will move this mechanical contact of the actuation element 6b to a position where this second flexible electrical switching element 8b is no longer in contact with the actuation element 6b. The mechanical contact area 26d of the second flexible electrical switching element 8c bearing the physical contact area 12c is rubbed against the mechanical contact area 26d and returns to its rest position under the influence of the elastic return force. In this unstable position T0 of the control stem 4, the second flexible electrical switching element 8c of the control device 1b assumes a position in which the second electrical circuit is open. In the open position of this second electrical circuit, the electrical contact area 24d formed on the outer surface 42a of the free end of this second flexible electrical switching element 8c is connected to the fourth electrical contact of the control device 1b. It is not in contact with the corresponding contact stud 16d. The first flexible electrical switching element 8b moves from its rest position when the end 34 of the rod 28 of the positioning spring 14 is on the inclined profile 22 and contacts the third contact stud 16c at the electrical contact area 24c. abut. It should be noted that during this movement the mechanical contact area 12c of the actuation element 6b moves while rubbing against the mechanical contact area 26c of the first flexible electrical switching element 8b. This movement causes a deformation of the first flexible electrical switching element 8b sufficient to allow placement of the electrical contact area 24c into contact with the third contact stud 16c. Therefore, when the control stem 4 reaches its unstable position T0, only the first flexible electrical switching element 8b is brought into a position to close the first electrical circuit, when in the first electrical circuit, the outer surface 42a A formed electrical contact area 24c is in contact with the third contact stud 16c of the control device 1b. A current therefore flows through the first flexible electrical switching element 8b, thereby detecting the closed position of the electrical contact between this first flexible electrical switching element 8b and the third contact stud 16c. can be done.

Thus, in this second embodiment, three of the portable objects 54 are controlled depending on whether the control stem 4 is in one of the following three positions: unstable position T0 or stable positions T1, T2. Two electronic functions can be controlled by the control device 1b.
- in the first stable position T1 only the second flexible electrical switching element 8c is in contact with the corresponding contact stud 16d at the electrical contact area 24d, thereby closing the second electrical circuit; That is, it is in a connected state.
- in the second stable position T2, neither the first nor the second flexible actuation element 8b, 8c is in contact with the corresponding third or fourth contact stud 16c, 16d, whereby the second Each of the first and second electric circuits is in an open state, that is, in a non-connected state.
- in the unstable position T0 only the first flexible electrical switching element 8b is in contact with the corresponding contact stud 16c at the electrical contact area 24c, thereby closing the first electrical circuit, i.e. Connected status.

In an alternative to this second embodiment, the control stem 4 is such that the first and second flexible electrical switching elements 8b, 8c are in contact with the third and fourth contact studs 16c, 16d respectively. Additional functions of the portable object 54 are activated by the control device 1b when in the new stable or unstable position and the first and second electrical circuits are simultaneously closed, i.e. connected. can be controlled.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various simple modifications and alternatives can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. is. Note, in particular, that the actuation element and the control stem can both be electrically insulating, or the actuation element can be electrically insulating, in which case the control stem It can be insulating, it can also be conductive, or the actuation element can be conductive, in which case the control stem is not conductive.

1a, 1b control device 2 frame 4 control stem 6a, 6b actuation elements 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d flexible electrical switching elements 10a, 10b position indexing areas 12a, 12b, 12c mechanical contact areas 14 positioning springs 16a, 16b , 16c, 16d contact studs 18a, 18b, 18c fastening studs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d recesses 22 inclined contours 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d electrical contact areas 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d mechanical contact areas. 28 rod 30 arm 32 base 34 rod ends 36a, 36b, 36c linking pieces 38a, 38b, 38c crest 40 smooth bearing 42a outer surface 42b inner surface 44a, 44b first and second arms 46 rear end 48 leading side end 50 actuation crown 52 hole 54 portable object 56 middle portion 58 bottom portion 60 upper frame 62 slanted profile 64 microcontroller 66 electrical connector

Claims (6)

A control device (1a, 1b) for controlling at least one electronic function of a portable object (54) comprising a control stem (4), comprising:
said control stem (4) is axially movable between at least a first stable position and a second stable position or at least between a stable position and an unstable position;
Said control device (1a, 1b) further comprises actuation elements (6a, 6b) made of electrically insulating material rigidly connected to said control stem (6a, 6b) and said control stem ( 4) at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) mechanically actuated by said actuation element (6a, 6b) when moving axially;
The at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) is in a closed position in which the at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) closes the electrical circuit of the control device (1a, 1b). and an open position in which said at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) opens said electrical circuit,
at least one electrical contact stud ( 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are provided,
Said at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a) is integral and V-shaped with two branches, each branch of which has an electrical contact area (24a) of said flexible electrical switching element (8a). ) and
Said actuation elements (6a, 6b) have position indexing areas ( 10a, 10b),
The control device (1a, 1b) is further configured to control the position of the control stem (4) in conjunction with the cam contours defined in the position indexing regions (10a, 10b) of the actuation elements (6a, 6b). a positioning spring (14) configured to define respectively a stable position and an unstable position;
Said cam profile has at least one recess (20a) provided to cooperate with said positioning springs (14) of said control devices (1a, 1b) to define a stable position of said control stem (4). , 20b, 20c, 20d) and/or a ramp (22) provided to cooperate with said positioning spring (14) to define an unstable position of said control stem (4). Control devices (1a, 1b). 4. The claim characterized in that said at least one electrical contact stud (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) has an end connected to a contact pad of said electrical circuit of said control device (1a, 1b). A control device (1a, 1b) according to claim 1. mechanical fixing studs (18a, 18b, 18c) fixedly connecting said at least one flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) to said electrical circuit of said control device (1a, 1b); 3. Control device (1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises two separate flexible electrical switching elements (8b, 8c), each of which has an electrical contact area (24c, 24d). Control device (1a, 1b) according to clause. Each flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) is associated with a mechanical contact area (12a, 12b, 12c) of said actuation element (6a, 6b) so that the flexible electrical switching element (8a, 8b, 8c) 8b, 8c, 8d) are in the closed position, the corresponding electrical contact areas (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) can be brought into contact with the corresponding electrical contact studs (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). Control device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A portable object (54 ) characterized in that it comprises at least one control device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1-5.

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